By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Huawei’s P20 notch draws controversy to a phone that promises much more
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > Cellphones > Huawei’s P20 notch draws controversy to a phone that promises much more
CellphonesMobile

Huawei’s P20 notch draws controversy to a phone that promises much more

Wilson Wong
Last updated: March 29, 2018 at 6:09 PM
Wilson Wong Published March 29, 2018
6 Min Read
SHARE
The P20 Pro from Huawei. PHOTO: Handout

Let’s start with the good things.

The new Huawei P20 and P20 Pro, unveiled this week by the Chinese phone maker, bring several firsts – a three-lens camera system promising the next leap in mobile photography, for starters.

Yet, if you look at the phone for the first time, you will not miss the most controversial of design elements. Yes, I’m talking about the iPhone X-like notch at the top of the screen.

It is hard to be diplomatic about this, but the first impression for anyone who has an interest in smartphones will be that Huawei has once again copied Apple’s design.

Okay, you can “turn off” the feature by blacking out the top part of the screen to make it look like a solid black bar, but it’s strange why has Huawei included the notch at all.

The Chinese phone maker has tried hard to assert its own brand identity in recent years, as it came up with market-leading mobile photography performance, thanks to its partnership with Leica.

So, it is disappointing that it has done what a number of Android phone makers are doing this year, by emulating a feature on the Apple flagship phone that was slammed when it debuted last year.

For Apple, the notch was used to hold its front camera that had new, enhanced features. You can say it was something that also made the iPhone X unique for the iPhone’s 10th anniversary.

Sadly, just copying this feature on an Android phone makes a phone maker look like it lacks design ideas. Sure, there are people who would love the iPhone X look and want it on an Android phone, but is that segment large enough to force other Android users to accept it? Especially on a flagship phone?

Despite the misgivings, Huawei obviously thinks it is a good idea to have the notch on the P20 and P20 Pro. It’s a big risk it is taking on two flagship models that promise so much more.

To be fair, there has been a fair bit of copying among phone makers over the years. The slate shape that has become the fixed form today has only so many permutations that you can dream up.

Apple’s design has always been fresh, starting with the touch user interface on the first iPhone. Slowly, the use of metal and glass created elegant-looking models over the years. Not surprisingly, Android phone makers followed this trend.

The question is, why hasn’t Huawei and indeed other Android phone makers looked to their own past for inspiration?

In the past few years, they have innovated as well. Samsung is the top phone maker today for a reason – its metal-and-glass cases have sported a unique curved screen since the Galaxy S6 Edge of three years ago.

The Galaxy Note series also stand apart from the competition because of the use of a stylus, something that has won over fans over the years.

A different curved screen was also adopted by LG in the G Flex in 2013 and G Flex 2 in 2015. The G Flex 2, in particular, is a very comfortable phone to use as my thumb does not need to stretch to reach the far corners of the screen.

Plus the contours fitted the side of your face as you held up the phone to talk. It’s a pity LG decided not to continue the line.

Of late, the slate form factor has been kept mostly intact, apart from the modular concepts from LG’s G5 and Lenovo’s Moto Z that allowed you to attach a camera module, a speaker or even a projector.

Still, having a slate doesn’t mean one cannot be unique, either. Take a look at the more recent Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, the Vivo Apex concept phone and the Razer Phone.

They may look similar at first glance but they have a uniqueness and class that is understated. The Mi Mix 2 has minimal black bezels, the Apex comes with an in-screen fingerprint sensor and the Razer Phone packs a fast screen for gaming.

In a competitive field, having a design language that a brand can call its own will help to make customers stay loyal.

This is exactly what Huawei seeks with its enhanced photography features and use of artificial intelligence (AI). Its phones are now known for these traits, which is a good thing.

Now, if only it had done away with the notch, the P20’s sleek design would have just been called sleek, without any talk of it being a copycat again.

 

You Might Also Like

Debate on computational photography misses what’s real, what’s lived outside a frame

Get the best Mac-friendly monitors for colour-perfect design work

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Impressive flagship design, performance

Hands on: Oppo Find N2 Flip looks promising for those seeking foldable phones

Singtel livestreams concert in train cabin 17m underground to show off 5G network

TAGGED: Apple, copycat, design, Huawei, iPhone X, notch, P20, P20 Pro

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Wilson Wong March 29, 2018
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
By Wilson Wong
Follow:
Wilson is a self-taught photographer whose passion started with his father’s old Canon L Rangefinder camera. He now leads the 12,000+ strong Singapore Photography & Imaging Network group. His photos have won acclaim from Nikon and Fujifilm, and are featured in various books and exhibitions.
Previous Article Huawei P20 and P20 Pro sport new cameras to take on Samsung, Apple
Next Article Troubles with Grab-Uber merger a reminder of the complexity of urban issues
1 Comment
  • Kim says:
    March 31, 2018 at 8:32 am

    Think you need to find out who start the notch first become saying huawei or android copy apple. #fakenews ?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Sony Playstation VR2 review: An immersive experience awaits
Gaming March 21, 2023
Debate on computational photography misses what’s real, what’s lived outside a frame
Cellphones Imaging Mobile Software March 19, 2023
Get the best Mac-friendly monitors for colour-perfect design work
PC March 16, 2023
LG OLED Flex LX3 review: A bendable gaming monitor for the adventurous (and rich)
Audio-visual Gaming PC March 13, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?